I often ask the same question. Older folks, who might've started smoking before it was realised how much damage it did, I can sort of understand, as they were addicted before they knew it, but those who begin now? With the amount of education about the dangers, not to mention the costs financially, why start?

Also, as to those who were talking about the cost of a pack : there's a guy who comes into my work and buys no less than 3 packs of Marlboro's at a time! $7.80 with tax times 3 packs = $23.40! And he comes in about every 2 days so at least 4 times a week and now you're talking over $100!

I don't get why anyone with half a brain - or a conscience, frankly - smokes. I feel much the same way about any narcotic, including booze - although, I do drink the occasional beer come weekend, but that's hardly the same thing as puffing away and inundating you and everyone you're around with carcinogenic substances every goddamn day of your life. Seriously, I fucking hate smoking, and I lose respect for anyone who does. Yes, I'm a bit militant about it

I don't get why anyone with half a brain - or a conscience, frankly - smokes. I feel much the same way about any narcotic, including booze - although, I do drink the occasional beer come weekend, but that's hardly the same thing as puffing away and inundating you and everyone you're around with carcinogenic substances every goddamn day of your life. Seriously, I fucking hate smoking, and I lose respect for anyone who does. Yes, I'm a bit militant about it

Smoking isn't the same as drinking. It's illegal to drink in public. Nobody gets to take beer breaks on the job and come back drunk and stinking of alcohol. It's an entirely different type of substance.